Growing Roots, supported by Aster Communities, worked with eleven children from Hillmead in Shepton Mallet to plant an edible living wall. The aims of the project are to encourage social interaction and healthy eating.

Growing vertically on walls saves on ground space and enhances the brick building

Research by Stephen Kaplan, "The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework" 1995, shows that looking at greenery allows the mind to relax and restores attention and ultimately helps to alleviate symptoms of stress which sometimes leads to ill-health.

Several of the children said they enjoyed mixing the compost and vermiculite and getting their hands dirty!

Thank you to Catherine and Dick for their enthusiastic volunteering on this project.